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PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Mark Baszak or Carolyn Kilmer, 413.545.3530
To download photographs and more information, visit the pressroom at: www.jazzinjuly.com

For release: December 1, 2003 through March 20, 2004

JAZZ IN JULY: Celebrating the Power of American Music

The Fine Arts Center is now accepting applications to the Jazz in July Summer Music Programs (July 12 - 23, 2004), a performance-based jazz education program held at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. For over two decades, Jazz in July has been the place where age and experience meets youth and expectation, and where opportunities abound to discover powerful forces in the legacy of American jazz.

This year’s programs focus on our two core concentrations: Instrumental Small Combos, and Vocal Jazz Soloists with Trios, where diverse approaches to teaching and performing jazz, and small ensemble size makes Jazz in July unique from other summer programs. Our new Teacher Incentive Program offers music educators several add-on options specially designed for teachers working toward re-certification or professional development. Because instrumental and vocal programs run at the same time, all participants will be able to join with other students for combined lectures, master classes, panel discussions, film screenings, jam sessions, and performances.

Originally modeled after New York’s “Jazzmobile,” the two week, Instrumental Combo Program, led by the Billy Taylor Trio, (Billy Taylor, piano; Chip Jackson, bass; Winard Harper, drums) emphasizes individual improvisation within small instrumental combos. Participants are assigned to combos that are coached by the artist faculty, and attend master classes according to applied instrument. Faculty also includes guest violinist John Blake, and University resident faculty Jeff Holmes on trumpet, and Adam Kolker, Frederick Tillis and Willie Hill, on saxophone.

The Vocal Jazz Soloists with Resident Trios program offers vocalists a supportive environment to explore concepts of jazz phrasing and rhythms, preparing lead sheets, and vocal improvisation including scat singing. Coachings and master classes with Sheila Jordan and Marion Cowings combine with rehearsal and performance opportunities accompanied by two in-residence instrumental trios led by Jeff Holmes and Matt Richard on piano.

Jazz in July teaches improvisation to talented musicians of all ages and in various stages of training and musical backgrounds. For more information, including an application, visit our website: www: jazzinjuly.com; write: Jazz in July, 10 Curry Hicks, 100 Hicks Way, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003-9300; or phone: 413.545.3530.

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